August 7, 2026 newsletter from Rawlson King, City Councillor for Rideau-Rockcliffe.
A Message from Councillor King
Dear Residents:
The much-anticipated design for the Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Plan is now available for public comment.
Residents will have the opportunity to review the latest design elements, ask questions, and share their feedback at two in-person consultation opportunities, as well as online through Engage Ottawa.
The first opportunity will be at the Beechwood Farmers' Market in New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, on August 8, from 9 am to 1 pm, where City staff will be available to discuss the proposed design and answer questions. A second public open house and drop-in session will be held at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue, on August 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.
If you are unable to attend in-person, the plan is also available on the City's Engage Ottawa website, where residents can review the proposed design and submit comments online.
The Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Plan is about creating a long-term vision for this important main street - carefully considering how it looks, how it feels, and how residents and visitors experience and interact with it.
Thanks to continued advocacy by both myself and Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante, the City committed $400,000 to undertake the planning and functional design work for the Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Plan. Reaching this milestone is an important step, but it's only the beginning. Once the design is complete, we will continue advocating for the funding needed to turn this vision into reality and deliver the improvements our communities have been asking for.
The design considers everything from wider and more accessible sidewalks, trees and landscaping, lighting and street furniture, to cycling connections, traffic operations, and opportunities to better coordinate future infrastructure work along the corridor. The goal is to ensure future improvements are planned together, creating a safer, more accessible, welcoming, and vibrant Beechwood Avenue for everyone.
This project is particularly important because Beechwood isn't just a street - it connects five communities, and its importance extends well beyond them. Residents from across Ottawa visit Beechwood to attend events such as BeechFest, enjoy its restaurants and cafés, and explore the one-of-a-kind local businesses that give this street its unique character.
A great public realm is about much more than sidewalks and benches. It's about creating spaces where people want to spend their time - where they can stroll, cycle, gather with friends, support local businesses, attend community events, and enjoy everything a vibrant main street has to offer.
Beechwood is already one of Ottawa's most distinctive destinations. Improving and expanding its public realm is an opportunity to build on everything that makes it special and ensure it continues to thrive for the communities that call it home, the businesses that invest here, and everyone who comes to experience it.
For the latest information, to review the proposed designs, or to learn about additional consultation opportunities, please visit rideau-rockcliffe.ca or engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood.
Rawlson King
City Councillor
Your Councillor in the Community

It was wonderful to welcome Youth Futures interns from the Ottawa Public Library to City Hall today for an exciting discussion about professional development and library governance!

Honoured to have joined the West Indian Youth Association of Ottawa earlier this week for their Emancipation Day flag-raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall, alongside High Commissioners from Guyana and Grenada and my colleague Councillor Stéphanie Plante, as we marked this important day.
Rideau-Rockcliffe News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
Farmers Market in New Edinburgh - Saturdays until Oct. 31

Ottawa Street Markets continues its Beechwood Market season in New Edinburgh Park, at 203 Stanley Avenue, every Saturday until Oct. 31, from 9 am to 1 pm. For details, please visit ottstreetmarkets.ca.
Beechwood Avenue Public Realm - Engagement Opportunities - August 8 & 11
The City's Beechwood Avenue Public Realm Team is inviting residents to join them for upcoming public engagement opportunities to learn more about the vision for Beechwood and to review the draft functional design, which will be available on the Engage Ottawa project page in early August: engage.ottawa.ca/beechwood
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August 8, 9 am to 1 pm - New Edinburgh Farmers' Market at 203 Stanley Avenue - The Public Realm Team will have a table for people to drop by and talk about the design with them.
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August 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm - Drop-in Open House at the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Avenue
Summer Bottle Drive in New Edinburgh - August 8 & every second Saturday
Save your empties for a good cause!
What: Recycling of alcohol containers, such as wine and beer bottles or cans
When: Every second Saturday of each month. The next collection is August 8, from 1 to 4 pm
Where: New Edinburgh Fieldhouse, 203 Stanley Ave.
Why: Recycling rules changed in January. To help recycle alcohol containers, social enterprise BottleWorks is coming to New Edinburgh every month to collect empties. A charitable initiative, BottleWorks employs youth who face barriers to employment.
Forbes-Cummings Community Celebration - August 8

Save the date for the second annual Forbes-Cummings party on Borthwick and Gardenvale streets and in Trojan Park, 901 Trojan Avenue, on August 8, from 2 to 6 pm. The rain date is August 9. Enjoy live music, games, activities and a community barbecue at no cost. Non-perishable food donations for the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Food Bank are welcome.
Collège La Cité Emergency Lockdown System Testing – August 9

Collège La Cité, located at 801 Aviation Parkway, will be testing its emergency lockdown system on Sunday, August 9 at 4 pm. The test is expected to brief, however it may cause a minor disturbance. Thank you for your understanding.
A Company of Fools presents A Midsummer Night's Dream - New Edinburgh Park August 14
Pack your picnic blankets and prepare to sail away as a Company of Fools brings you to the shores of the Greek islands! This year the Fools are setting Shakespeare’s most famous comedy against a backdrop inspired by seaside revelry, moonlit dances, and the toe tapping energy of your favourite 70’s disco (you may feel an inexplicable urge to clap along, and we encourage you to follow that feeling!). A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a tale of love, magic, and mischief.
- Stanley Park/New Edinburgh Park on August 14 at 7 pm
For the full schedule and more details, please visit www.fools.ca/a-midsummer-nights-dream-2026
Akoustic live music series - Wednesday evenings until September 23
Presented by the Vanier BIA, Akoustik is back for 2026 — 10 Wednesday nights of free live music at St. Charles Market square, July 15 through September 23, from 6 to 8 pm. Twenty-one artists. Ten Wednesdays. One summer-long soundtrack of folk, soul, hip-hop, and everything in between — free and outdoors. Everyone welcome. For the full schedule, please visit vanierbia.com/akoustik.
Upcoming performances:
- August 12: Enjoy performances by Vicki Brittle at 6 pm and the Shawn Tavenier Band at 7:10 pm.
- August 26: Edra Silva performs at 6 pm, and Mikhail Laxton's 613 Soul performs at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 2: Lyle Odjick performs at 6 pm and the Angelique Francis Band performs at 7:10 pm.
- Sept 9: Hannah Vig performs at 6 pm and Amos The Transparent takes the stage at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 16: At 6 pm, enjoy a performance by Vancamp, while Jessica Pearson and The East Wind perform at 7:10 pm.
- Sept. 23: Featuring Joly at 6 pm and Moonfruits at 7:10 pm.
MP Fortier's Community BBQ - August 15

Join Ottawa-Vanier-Gloucester MP Mona Fortier on Saturday, August 15, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at the Vanier HUB, located at the corner of Montreal Road and Marier Avenue, for her annual Community BBQ. Bring your family and friends, meet your neighbours, and enjoy a wonderful afternoon together. There will be great food, fun activities, and a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community.
Royal Scottish Dancing in New Edinburgh Park - August 16
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa is hosting an afternoon of dancing in New Edinburgh Park east of the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue, on August 16 from 1:30 to 4 pm. They will be dancing some of their favorites as well as some simple dances to engage spectators. This will be the final event celebrating their 60th dance year. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Ottawa Branch, provides classes at all levels throughout the city, and hosts monthly socials, an annual ball, workshops and dance demonstrations. Details: rscdsottawa.ca/branch-events
Join Writers Collective of Canada at Re/Writing Connection! - August 18
The Writers Collective of Canada hosts a spoken word event on Tuesday, August 18 in Rockcliffe Park. Re/writing Connection is an opportunity for local WCC writers to share magnificent stories, which have emerged from WCC workshops, with the broader community. WCC writing workshops ignite the power of authentic voice, spark powerful connection and change lives. Our program reaches a diverse range of voices and communities, many traditionally underserved and underheard. Libraries are among the most accessible spaces in which communities can be brought together through art-making. WCC is currently partnering with over 25 public libraries across Canada, where we offer free open writing workshops. With the support of a TD Ready Commitment grant, Re/writing Connection will take place at public libraries celebrating the brave voices that have been empowered through writing with others. Please join the WCC on Tuesday, August 18 from 5 to 6:30 pm at the Rockcliffe Park library branch, 380 Springfield Road. Details: wcc-cec.org
Beer & Bites - August 20

Wrap up the summer with the final Beer & Bites evening at the Vanier Sugar Shack on August 20 from 6 to 8 pm. This edition features Orléans Brewing Co. and Chef Ric’s, with craft beer and gourmet food pairings in a relaxed summer setting. Space is limited and advance booking is recommended. Click here for tickets and details.
Overbrook Day - August 21
The Overbrook Community Association invites Overbrook residents to enjoy Overbrook Day festivities on August 21, from 4 to 7 pm, in Overbrook Park, 33 Quill Street. The celebration will feature music, prizes, face painting, games and activities, a free community barbecue and more! End the day by enjoying a Movie Night in Park after dark, courtesy of Ottawa Community Housing, the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre and the Overbrook Community Centre. The rain date is August 28.
Volunteers are needed the day of the event. Those interested are welcome to contact the Overbrook Community Association by emailing [email protected].
Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard's Corn Roast & Vendors Fair - August 22
Join Ottawa-Vanier MPP Lucille Collard for her annual Corn Roast and Vendors Fair on Saturday, August 22, from 11 am to 1 pm, at Optimist Park at 43 Ste-Cécile Street in Vanier. Enjoy fresh local corn, family activities, free swimming, and live musicians. It will be a fun-filled event with something for everyone! Bring your family and friends for a fantastic community gathering.
Heritage Ottawa Walking Tours - August 23 to Oct. 4
Heritage Ottawa walking tours continue rain or shine this summer with several upcoming opportunities to explore the city’s history.
- Modern Lowertown takes place August 23 at 2 pm and explores Mid-Century Modern architecture, urban renewal and the neighbourhood’s changing landscape.
- Hog’s Back: A Storied Landscape takes place Sept. 12 at 2 pm and looks at how Rideau Canal engineering transformed the area in the early 19th century.
- Explore the history, architecture and streetscapes of New Edinburgh during a Heritage Ottawa walking tour on Sept. 13 at 2 pm. The tour highlights the neighbourhood’s industrial roots, early residents and evolution from one of Canada’s earliest planned communities. The tour departs from the Rideau Gate entrance to the Rideau Hall grounds and is led by local historian and author Janet Uren.
- Explore the Village of Ashton on the western edge of Ottawa's city boundary on Sept. 20 at 2 pm.
- Discover Ruskin Place during a tour exploring the long, and often unsuccessful, history of the Ottawa Land Association’s attempts to sell building lots in Ottawa’s western suburb. The tour takes place Sept. 27 at 2 pm.
- Masterpieces of Domestic Design: Revival Style Architecture in Rockcliffe Park takes place Oct. 4 at 2 pm. The new walking tour explores Rockcliffe Park’s historic residential architecture, from Tudor and Gothic Revival to Georgian, Colonial Revival and modernist designs. The tour departs from the Rockcliffe Park Public Library parking lot, 380 Springfield Road, and is led by architectural historian Martha Edmond.
Pre-registration is required. Cost is $10 for Heritage Ottawa members and $25 for non-members. Details: heritageottawa.org/en/2026-walking-tour-season
Community Coffee Day - August 28
The Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre hosts a Community Coffee Day on August 28 from 2 to 3 pm at the Rideau Community Hub in Room 124 at 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. Enjoy coffee, tea, snacks, and more - at not cost! Details: www.crcrr.org
Manor Park Community Event and Movie Night in the Park - August 28
Manor Park residents are invited to a community gathering in Alvin Heights Park, 352 London Terrace, to enjoy the summer, meet local residents and connect with community resources and services on August 28, from 5 to 10 pm. The event, hosted by the Rideau-Rockcliffe Community Resource Centre, will include a BBQ, music and activities, followed by an outdoor movie for children and families at dusk. For updates, visit Facebook.
Broncs and 'Tonks Rodeo & Country Music Festival - August 28
Broncs and 'Tonks is a one-day rodeo and country music festival taking place at the Ottawa Stadium, 300 Coventry Road, on August 28 from 1 to 11 p.m. The event features professional rodeo competition followed by a concert headlined by Dean Brody and The Reklaws. Details: www.broncsandtonks.com
End of Summary Park Party - New Edinburgh - August 29
The Crichton Community Council is inviting New Edinburgh residents to an End of Summer Party the evening of August 29 in New Edinburgh Park, 203 Stanley Avenue, featuring a barbecue, beer, non-alcoholic refreshments, music, face painting, a bouncy castle and field sports. Details and updates: newedinburgh.ca
Doors Open at Rideau Hall - Sept. 5 to 7
On Sept. 5 to 7, visitors can explore the State rooms of Rideau Hall at their own pace and visit the private gardens and Palm House, which are not open to the public during regular tours. Guides will be on hand to answer questions about the history of the residence and the role of Canada’s governor general. Details: www.gg.ca
BeechFest - Sept. 12
The Vanier BIA hosts its annual BeechFest celebration on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 3 to 9 pm along Beechwood Avenue. The block party will feature local flavours, live music, street eats and community fun for the whole family. Updates: vanierbia.com/beechfest
The Council on Aging of Ottawa's annual Walk of Ages fundraiser - Sept. 12
Celebrate aging, movement and community at the Council on Aging of Ottawa's Walk of Ages on Sept. 12 from 11 am to 2 pm at the sports field at the Rideau Community Hub, 815 St. Laurent Boulevard. This intergenerational fundraiser brings people together in support of older adults and a more age-friendly Ottawa. Participants can walk or roll the route at their own pace or join the guided Walk This Way option. The event will also feature live music, community booths, family activities, classic cars and a cash BBQ with Halal and vegetarian options. Details: walk-of-ages-2026.raiselysite.com
Manor Park Rock the Block - Sept. 18
The Manor Park Community Council hosts its annual Rock the Block event on Sept. 18, from 5:30 to 10 pm at 100 Thornwood Road. Rock The Block 2026 is a free community event featuring local vendors selling food and beverages, a judged pie contest, and a family-friendly movie at 7:30 pm. For updates, visit Facebook.
New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale - Sept. 19

The New Edinburgh Neighbourhood Sale returns on Sept. 19 from 8 am to 12 pm, with residents, businesses, community groups and artists invited to hold sales throughout the neighbourhood. The area around the New Edinburgh Park Fieldhouse, at 203 Stanley Avenue, will also be active with the weekly market taking place at the same time. Vendors are encouraged to sell from private property, while those without suitable space may gather near the Stanley Avenue bend alongside the Beechwood Market vendors. The Crichton Community Council welcomes voluntary donations from sale proceeds to support neighbourhood events and equipment. For details, please visit newedinburgh.ca.
Overbrook After School Activity Club - Registration now open for programming beginning Sept. 1
Finish the school day with fun. Get active with games and sports and be creative with arts and crafts. Enjoy some quiet time for homework, too, Make new friends and join the Overbrook Community Centre's After School Activity Club, from Sept. 1, 2026 to June 24, 2027, from 3 to 4 pm. Financial assistance is available through the City of Ottawa's Hand in Hand program. For details, please call 613-742-5147 or email [email protected]. For more information or to register, please visit ottawa.ca/recreation.
Flamenco for Food in New Edinburgh - Oct. 3
Support local music and local food banks at the next Flamenco for Food event on Oct. 3 at 6:30 pm at MacKay United Church Memorial Hall, 39 Dufferin Road. Doors open at 6 pm. The community-based initiative features live flamenco performances, with admission by donation of non-perishable food items for local food banks. The project also supports the growth of the National Capital Region’s flamenco community and celebrates this vibrant UNESCO-recognized art form. For details, please visit flamencoforfood.ca.
Rideau-Rockcliffe Construction Projects
Water Service Interruption - St. Laurent Boulevard - overnight August 11

Water service will be interrupted for homes and businesses along both sides of St. Laurent Boulevard between Coté Street and just south of McArthur Avenue and beginning Tuesday, August 11 at 8 pm and continuing until Wednesday, August 12 at 4 am to allow for a new service connection to the existing watermain at 830 St. Laurent Boulevard. The work will require heavy construction equipment, including an excavator, dump trucks and compaction equipment. Backup safety alarms will also be in use. The work is being completed overnight at the direction of the City’s Right-of-Way department to minimize the impact of the temporary watermain shutdown on surrounding businesses and residents during peak hours.
Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project – Updated Pipeline Proposal - Comments due by August 18
Enbridge Gas has announced a change to the proposed Rockcliffe Control Station Relocation Project. Due to a design change, the proposed natural gas inlet pipeline along Hillsdale Road has been extended from approximately 400 metres to 858 metres to connect the new control station to the St. Laurent replacement pipeline. The proposed control station and outlet pipeline approved by the Canada Energy Regulator remain unchanged.
An updated Environmental Report is being prepared, and Enbridge Gas is inviting residents, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders to review the changes and provide feedback. Comments will be accepted until August 18 and can be submitted by email to [email protected]. Comments received after that date will also be considered where possible as project planning continues.
Canada Post Community Mailbox Program - update
Canada Post has advised that over the coming years, it will convert nearly four million addresses that still receive door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes. This change is part of their plan to renew and modernize the national postal service so they can continue to meet the evolving needs of Canadians in a financially sustainable way. Addresses with postal codes K1B, K1G, K1H, K1J and K1K have been selected for conversion from door-to-door delivery to community mailboxes in late 2026 or early 2027.
Here in Rideau-Rockcliffe Ward, the conversion areas include Overbrook, proximity to the St. Laurent Complex, Manor Park, the Forbes-Borthwick-Trojan-Cummings community, Wateridge Village, the Quarries and Carson Grove.
UPDATE: Community mailboxes will be installed by Canada Post beginning this fall. Property owners adjacent to proposed locations are targeted to receive notices from Canada Post regarding proposed locations on August 7. Customers will be notified by mail of the date on which their delivery will switch and they will also receive mailbox keys.
Canada Post is the responsibility of the federal government. Our office will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
Centennial Garden Construction - Underway

The restoration of the Centennial Garden in Rockcliffe Park's Village Green is underway. Most construction is expected to take place during August, weather permitting. This community-led project, more than 10 years in the making, will restore the garden originally designed by Humphrey Carver in 1967 to commemorate Canada's Centennial. The restoration includes improvements to the pathways and the inner circle, new benches, native plantings, and the addition of a third boulder representing Nunavut at the heart of the garden.
Topographic Survey on Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue

Over the next few weeks, Stantec will be conducting topographic surveys on various street segments in Overbrook west of the Vanier Parkway. Area residents will receive notification letters.
WHY: This field work is the first step in creating a proposed design to support the renewal of Wolff Street, Ontario Street, Marguerite Avenue and Stevens Avenue.
Why: Night work is needed to maintain the schedule of stage 3 construction for the St Patrick Street Bridge. Noise exemptions will be applied according to the City of Ottawa Noise By-law.
What: The work will include concrete removal on the St. Patrick Street Bridge. The use of construction equipment shall not exceed 85 dB(A) when measured at the point of reception.
When: The night work will occur periodically until October 1, 2026, from 10 pm to 7 am, subject to weather conditions.
Where: The work will occur on the St. Patrick Street Bridge and approaches between the Crichton Street/Vanier Parkway intersection and 50 metres west of Lower Charlotte Street.
Wateridge Village Fieldhouse - construction update
Construction has begun on the new Wateridge Village Fieldhouse in Eugène Martineau Park at 710 Mikinak Road. For more information about the future fieldhouse, please visit Engage Ottawa.

Work on Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue along St. Laurent Boulevard from Lemieux Street to Donald Street. Overnight work is required in this location in order to avoid major daytime traffic impacts. This will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, a backhoe and heavy trucks. (Overnight contact is Mitchell Moses: 613-266-1914)

Enbridge's St. Laurent Gas Pipeline Replacement Project will continue overnight utility work along Montreal, Cummings, Brittany, St. Laurent. The work continues overnight, and will involve construction noise related to hydrovac operations, excavators, backhoe and heavy trucks. The overnight operations are required to avoid major daytime traffic implications.
Locations:
- Beginning 30 metres south of the intersection of Montreal Road and Cummings Avenue, extending westbound along Montreal Road, continuing approximately 30 metres north along Brittany Drive, and extending further west past the Beer Store plaza (548 Montreal Road). (Ward 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- On St. Laurent Boulevard from Brittany Drive to Montreal Road, extending 30 metres north of Brittany Drive, 30 metres west on Dunbarton Court, and 30 metres south of Montreal Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Kyle Jackson – 343-462-3722)
- Starting 30 metres east of the Brittany Drive and St. Laurent Boulevard intersection, continuing north along St. Laurent Boulevard between Brittany Drive and Hemlock Road. (Ward 12 & 13 overnight contact Frank Zappia – 613-551-9809)
City of Ottawa News, Events and Engagement Opportunities
First mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus this season
Ottawa Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Routine mosquito trapping and testing for West Nile virus (WNV) have confirmed a positive mosquito pool in Ottawa. This is the first confirmation of WNV in Ottawa this year since OPH began routine seasonal monitoring in June. There have been no confirmed or probable human cases of West Nile virus reported in Ottawa this year. As of Sunday, July 26, there have been two reported human cases in Ontario this year. Mosquitoes can pose a risk for WNV infection until the first hard frosts of the fall. Residents are reminded that even as the weather begins to cool in the fall, there remains an increased risk for human WNV infection. Residents are also asked to help reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes by removing any unnecessary standing water and regularly treating or replacing water in use, like ornamental pools or bird baths. For details, visit ottawa.ca.
Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy - first three weeks of August
On Wednesday and Saturday evenings during the first three weeks of August, the Les Grands Feux du Casino Lac-Leamy (formerly known as the Casino Lac-Leamy Sound of Light) presents four hours of special entertainment at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Québec. Enjoy pyromusical shows of international calibre, open flame culinary experiences, experiential paths, artistic creations and much more. The fireworks are launched from a platform in the majestic Ottawa River, directly below the museum. The full schedule is available at feux.qc.ca/en/home-2026.
Household Hazardous Waste Event at the Innes Snow Dump - August 8
The City is hosting a Household Hazardous Waste event on August 8, from 8 am to 4 pm at the Innes Snow Dump, 2170 Mer Bleue Road. For details and for a schedule of additional events, please visit ottawa.ca/HHW
Para Transpo Talk: August 11 to 13
Join OC Transpo’s Customer Care team at Para Transpo Talk events across Ottawa on August 11, 12 and 13! Para Transpo Talk is a series of drop-in events that are open to all Para Transpo customers, their families, companions and support persons. Everyone is welcome, no matter how often you use Para Transpo. Staff will be available to answer your questions and concerns about anything related to Para Transpo. Find more information about the upcoming events
Event dates and locations
- Tuesday, August 11 | 11 am to 6 pm | Dovercourt Recreation Complex, Lobby
- Wednesday, August 12 | 11 am to 6 pm | Place d'Orléans, in front of American Eagle
- Thursday, August 13 | 11 am to 6 pm | Tunney's Pasture Station
OC Transpo customer information sessions - August 11, 13, 19 and 25
Learn about upcoming OC Transpo service enhancements and speak directly with General Manager Rick Leary and staff at a series of customer information sessions taking place across Ottawa this summer. At these sessions, staff will engage with residents and discuss how the Customer-First Action Plan will improve the customer experience and outline the major service enhancements that will support the expected increase in ridership this fall. You will have the opportunity to speak with staff to ask questions and share your comments on how OC Transpo can continue to improve your transit experience.
- Tuesday, August 11 from 6:30 to 8 pm, Nepean Sportsplex
- Thursday, August 13 from 6:30 to 8 pm, *Zoom webinar*
- Wednesday, August 19 from 7 to 8:30 pm, Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex
- Tuesday, August 25 from 6:30 to 8 pm, John G. Mlacak Community Centre
Please register on Engage Ottawa to confirm your attendance. Advance registration is required for the Zoom webinar. For details, please visit octranspo.com.
Fall registration reminder - August 11 & 13
View fall activities, PA Days and winter camps online and register for fall swimming activities Tuesday, August 11 and all fall activities Thursday, August 13. Financial assistance is available through the Ottawa Hand in Hand program to help eligible residents participate in recreation and cultural activities.
Mayor Sutcliffe's Annual Community BBQ - August 15
Join Mayor Mark Sutcliffe for his annual community BBQ on Saturday, August 15, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the Richcraft Recreation Complex in Kanata at 4101 Innovation Drive! The BBQ will be available until 2 pm or while quantities last. Bring your family and friends for a fun-filled summer afternoon. Enjoy a barbeque lunch, treats, and many fun activities! This event is in support of the Kanata Food Cupboard. While admission is free, guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item (per person) or make a monetary donation on-site in support of this worthy cause. While donations are appreciated, they are not required to attend. For details and to register, please visit ottawa.ca.
Odyssey Theatre presents Theatre Under the Stars - until August 16
Odyssey Theatre's 40th anniversary of Theatre Under the Stars presents Mirandolina in Strathcona Park until August 16, with evening performances Tuesday to Sunday at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. For details and tickets, please click here.
Ottawa Capital Pride - August 22 to 30
Enjoy Capital Pride festivities August 22 to 30. The Capital Pride Street Festival takes place August 29 & 20 on Bank Street, 12 to 8 pm each day. The festivities conclude with the Capital Pride Parade. Join more than 200 groups, 11,000 participants, and more than 150,000 attendees at Ottawa’s largest parade. Show your pride and celebrate on Sunday, August 30 at 1 pm in Centretown. For the full lineup of Capital Pride events and programming, visit capitalpride.ca.
Tree Check Month event - August 26
Learn more about protecting Ottawa’s trees during Tree Check Month on August 26 from 4 to 7 pm at the Trolley Station in Britannia Park, next to the Ron Kolbus Community Centre, 102 Greenview Avenue. The event will feature presentations from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Invasive Species Centre and the Canadian Forest Service, along with short guided walks highlighting research and efforts to combat the Asian Long-Horned Beetle. Whether on your own property or on public land, spotting and reporting invasives right away to the CFIA is the best way to protect our trees. Details: inspection.canada.ca
Order of Ottawa and Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching - Nominations due by Sept. 2
Nominations are open for the Order of Ottawa and the Brian Kilrea Award for Excellence in Coaching. The Order of Ottawa recognizes residents who have demonstrated exceptional achievement and made significant contributions to the community. The Brian Kilrea Award honours an amateur coach who exemplifies outstanding leadership and commitment. Nominate an Ottawa resident whose dedication has helped make our city a better place to live. Submissions are due by Sept. 2. For details, please visit ottawa.ca.
Nominations open for the 2026 Accessible Ottawa Awards - until Sept. 2
Nominations are open for the 2026 Accessible Ottawa Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to accessibility and inclusion across the city. One individual and one organization will be honoured for their efforts to remove barriers and improve the lives of people with disabilities in Ottawa. Nominations are due by Sept. 2 at 11:59 pm. Details: ottawa.ca
Sandy Hill Food Truck Festival - Sept. 6

The fourth annual Sandy Hill Food Truck Festival takes place Sunday, Sept. 6, from 2 to 7 pm at Laurier House National Historic Site, 285 Chapel Street. Organized by Councillor Stéphanie Plante’s Office in partnership with Parks Canada and Laurier House, the free event will feature food trucks, local vendors, community activities and entertainment during the University of Ottawa’s Welcome Week. Admission to Laurier House will also be free through the Canada Strong program. Food will be available for purchase.
Ottawa 200 Block Party - Sept. 26
The countdown is on for the Ottawa 200 Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Marion Dewar Plaza. The City of Ottawa recently released the official lineup for the big day celebrating Ottawa’s 2000th anniversary. Leading the celebration will be comedian Jonathan Dion, serving as master of ceremonies for a day packed with live and cultural performances, food, art, history, games and trivia. The party starts at 10 am and continues well past sundown. Access to the event is free. Beyond the stage, the Ottawa 200 Block Party will feature local food and beverage vendors, interactive art installations, live demonstrations, Ottawa history experiences and a special performance of Heart of This Place (Adàwe c’est ma ville), the official Ottawa 200 anthem created with the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition. For the full lineup, please visit ottawa.ca.
Emergency Services Updates
Make the Right Call
www.ottawapolice.ca/en/who-we-are/contact-us.aspx
When to Call 911:
- For crimes in progress and life-threatening emergencies
- You witness a dangerous or impaired driver
- There is a vehicle collision with injuries
- Fire or medical emergency
When to call 613-236-1222. Please listen to the prompts.
- Residential or commercial break and enter
- Missing person
- Suspicious activity or vehicle (drug trafficking in progress)
- Stolen vehicle
- Assault where no medical attention is required
- Animal abuse
- Vehicle collision where no injuries are reported
When to call and make a report with the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit 613-236-1222, extension 7300. Open seven days a week between 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Alcohol and drug use in public (for example, in city parks)
- Reporting to the police after the fact – an incident has occurred, but no one has remained on scene
- Disputes or harassment (for example, argument with neighbour, stalking, fear for non-immediate safety)
- Sexual assault reported, where there is no longer evidence
When the Ottawa Police Reporting Unit (PRU) is closed between the hours of 9 pm and 10 am, an automated attendant will provide you with options on how to redirect your call.
When to make a report using the Ottawa Police online system at ottawapolice.ca/onlinereporting:
- Theft (excluding theft of passports or other citizenship documents)
- Lost Property (with a visible serial number or distinct marking such as a custom engraving)
- This does not include: cellphones, credit and debit cards; please phone your banking institution or cellphone company
- Mischief/Damage to Property
- Theft from Vehicle
- Traffic Complaints
- Drug Complaints (drug trafficking information)
- Fraud Complaints
- Hate-Motivated Incidents
- Add information to an existing report
Crime Stoppers: If you have information about a crime but want to remain completely anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at crimestoppers.ca.







































